The purpose of this pilot project was to examine function, flexibility and isokinetic strength parameters in 20 male athletes with symptomatic subluxing shoulders, and then to randomly assign them to one of two treatment programs. One program, comprised of isokinetic resistance exercises (IRE), was designed to improve muscle strength and endurance and the other program of electromyographic biofeedback re-education (EMGBF) was designed to improve motor control. These two treatment groups were then compared in function and strength at 8, 26 and 52 weeks after entering the study. All 20 athletes had a positive apprehension test. The dominant arm was involved in 8 (40%) cases and 13 (65%) demonstrated generalized hypermobility. At entry into the study, all athletes reported pain with activity and greatest functional limitation in sport. The symptomatic shoulder generated significantly less abduction peak torque than the asymptomatic shoulder. While there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in function, pain or isokinetic parameters at any test time, the athletes treated with EMGBF showed significant improvements in work and sport function, and decreased pain over time. These changes were not significant in the IRE group. These findings support the tenet that subluxers do not have a "normal" shoulder support the use of a EMGBF treatment approach to the unstable shoulder and suggest it might be the treatment of choice if improved function and decreased pain are the treatment objectives.

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